Chester Charles Bennington was a musician, singer, songwriter and actor. He was best known as the lead vocalist of rock/hip-hop band Linkin Park, but also performed in Dead by Sunrise, and live rock cover band Bucket of Weenies.

Law enforcement reports that the singer had hung himself at a residence in Palos Verdes Estates in Los Angeles County. Bennington's body was discovered Thursday just before 9 AM.

Chester struggled with drugs and alcohol for years. He had said in the past he had considered committing suicide because he had been abused as a child by an older male.

Chester was very close with Chris Cornell, who himself committed suicide by hanging in May. Today would have been Cornell's 53rd birthday. Chester wrote an open letter to Chris on the day of Chris' suicide.

The band has had a string of hits over the years, including "Faint," "In the End" and "Crawling." Linkin Park crossed music genres, collaborating with Jay-Z.

The band's album, "Meteroa," was one of the biggest alt. albums in music history.

Bennington was 41. Chester was married with 6 children from 2 marriages.

National Suicide Prevention:

If you or someone you know that suffers from mental illness, or addiction, there is help available. Here is some information if you need to talk to someone. Visit: suicidepreventionlifeline.org or Call: 1-800-273-8255

The Trevor Project:

A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth and adults. There is also chat/text options for those who do not want to talk on phone/deaf/mute.